Sleep disorders can lead to long-term health troubles

You know that you feel better when you awake from a full, restful night's sleep. But do you realize that sleep problems, in addition to being a drain on your quality of life, can pose serious health threats?

Blood pressure usually falls during sleep, but interrupted sleep can adversely affect this normal decline, leading to high blood pressure, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep disorders are linked to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat and heart failure.

Insufficient sleep also impairs the body's ability to use insulin, which can lead to diabetes. In addition, it can affect the amount of a hormone linked to obesity that's secreted, increasing the chance for weight gain.

Finally, daytime drowsiness increases the risk for accidents at work and on the road.

If you're not getting adequate sleep, you're not alone. About 70 million – or more than one in five – Americans suffer from sleep disorders.* If you or your loved ones suspect you may have a sleep disorder, talk with your health care professional. (A bed partner may be more aware of a problem than you are!) Most sleep disorders can be managed effectively once they are diagnosed.

* Source: Cleveland Clinic, http://my.clevelandclinic.org.

Take this simple test Are you drowsy during the day?

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale, which is commonly used to help detect sleep disorders, assigns a score to your level of daytime sleepiness. Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for your chance of dozing in each situation. 0 = no chance 1 = slight chance 2 = moderate chance 3 = high chance Chance of dozing while: ______ Sitting and reading ______ Watching TV ______ Sitting inactive in a public place ______ Being a passenger in a car for an hour or more ______ Lying down in the afternoon ______ Sitting and talking to someone ______ Sitting quietly after lunch (no alcohol) ______ Stopped for a few minutes in traffic while driving ______ Total (add the scores) If your score is 10 or higher, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your sleepiness. You may benefit from the advice of a sleep specialist.